Sexual Health
Everyone deserves to take charge of their sexual health. We offer a range of sexual health services designed to empower you to stay in control of your body and feel great.
Services We Offer
Home STI Testing Kits
Order a home STI testing kit to check your sexual health in private. It’s a discreet and convenient option to ensure your well-being.
Emergency Contraception
Find information on where to get free emergency contraception.
Face-to-Face Advice
Connect with our friendly team for face-to-face advice on sexual health matters.
Telephone Triage
Our Sandwell Sexual Health Services now offer a telephone triage. If you’re well and need an STI screening, access a home testing kit for free. For queries about symptoms, contraception, or urgent concerns, contact 0121 612 2323 between 9am and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday. Please do not attend clinics without contacting us first.
Community Pharmacies
Access the Morning After Pill conveniently at community pharmacies.
Confidentitally is Key
Taking control of your sexual health can be a sensitive process. Rest assured that everything we do is confidential. Whether you visit a clinic or use our home STI testing kits, your privacy is our priority.
Your Local Clinic
Sometimes, you might prefer talking to someone face-to-face about your sexual health concerns. Sandwell’s sexual health clinic in West Bromwich offers advice and information. All conversations with the staff are confidential, and there are testing kits you can take home.
The clinic does not offer a drop in service, so you will need to book an appointment.
Location
Lyng Centre for Health and Social Care, Frank Fisher Way, West Bromwich, B70 7AW.
Clinic hours
Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm
Saturday, 9am – 12.30pm
Young People’s Clinic: Tuesday and Wednesday, 4.30pm – 7pm
Contact Us
Phone : 0121 612 2323
Email : swbh.ishus@nhs.net
If you’re having trouble reaching them by phone, email them and they will get back to you as soon as are able.
Positive Test Results
If your test results are positive, there’s no need to panic. Most STIs can are curable or manageable, including HIV.
Staff at the clinic will guide you through the process and help with the next steps. It is important to tell your current or previous partners. The team will assist you in navigating this conversation. Your sexual health is important, and the clinic is here to provide the support and care you need.
Are you experiencing genital rashes, red areas, unusual bumps, or other blemishes? Concerned about the possibility of genital warts? There is a photograph screening service available which you can do from home.
How It Works
Capture at Home:
Take photographs of any genital lumps, bumps, rashes, lesions, or other blemishes. Send them to a secure and dedicated email for a review.
Professional Evaluation
A sexual health nurses will review your photographs. They will then contact you for a telephone consultation to discuss your symptoms.
Results and Next Steps
Our nurse will inform you of the results and guide you on the next steps. If necessary, we’ll arrange for suitable treatment.
Treatment Options
Home Delivery
If an infection is detected, we’ll discreetly post the required treatment to your address.
Clinic Collection
If home treatment is not suitable, a nurse can arrange for you to collect medication at the clinic.
Contact Us
For further advice or support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us:
Phone: 0121 612 2323
Email: ishus@nhs.net
Getting tested for STIs is crucial, and now you can do it from the comfort of your home. The at-home kits can screen for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Why Get Tested?
STIs often show no symptoms, making regular testing the only surefire way to know your status. Testing is quick, free, and can be done yearly or whenever your sexual partner changes. It ensures early treatment or provides reassurance about your health.
How Does the At-Home Kit Work?
A small, discreetly packaged box arrives at your doorstep.
Follow the easy instructions to take your samples at your convenience.
Send your samples back to the lab using the prepaid postage.
Receive your results via text or email within three to five working days.
Order your free testing kit by visiting: www.sh.uk
If you are currently taking Oral Contraception (the Pill) or want to start the pill, it’s now easier for you to get your pills.
How It Works
If you are already on Oral Contraception and need a follow-on supply, follow these simple steps:
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Access the scheme before finishing your current packet of pills. If you want to start the pill, go straight to step two.
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Reach out to the pharmacy of your choice from the NHS website before you travel to renew your pills. You can access a pharmacy anywhere in England that suits you, even if you are in an area for a short stay.
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It’s important to bring your remaining pills in their packaging with you to the pharmacy.
It’s important to contact the pharmacy before your visit so you see the right person. Take charge of your reproductive health with the Oral Contraception Scheme in Sandwell. If you need any help or advice, reach out to Healthy Sandwell.
The morning after pill is a single tablet, available for free for women of all ages. It has a synthetic version of progesterone, a natural hormone produced by the ovaries. It’s a safe and effective option for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive mishaps.
The morning after pill offered for free go by the brand names Levonelle and EllaOne.
When to Take It
Levonelle should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. EllaOne within 120 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take either pill, the more effective it is.
The morning after pill is for emergency situations. It is not a regular contraceptive method and does not protect against STIs.
Getting the Morning After Pill
Follow these steps to access the morning after pill for free in Sandwell:
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Pharmacists may ask a few simple questions to ensure it’s suitable for you.
If you’re aged 16 to 25, ordering free condoms is quick and easy. For those aged under 16, you can join the c-card scheme.
For Ages 16 to 25: Order Your Free Condoms
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Call 0121 612 2323
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One of our sexual health team members will assist you in processing your order.
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Once your order is complete, a discreet supply of condoms will sent to your address.
For Ages 14 and 15: Join the C-Card Scheme
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Call 0121 612 2323 to register for the C-Card Scheme.
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After registering, one of our nurses will contact you for a confidential consultation on safe sex and proper condom use.
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We’ll send condoms and a C-Card to an address of your choice along with informative leaflets on condom usage.
If you want to order condoms in the future, you only need your C-Card ID number.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication taken by individuals at risk of HIV to prevent infection. It is more effective when combined with condom use and regular testing for STIs.
You should consider PrEP if:
You are a HIV-negative man who has sex with men and has engaged in anal sex without a condom in the last six months.
You are a trans woman who has had anal sex without a condom in the last six months and expects to continue this.
You are HIV negative and have been engaging in sex with HIV positive partners without using a condom.
How to Access PrEP
If you believe you are at risk of contracting HIV and are considering PrEP, contact the sexual health clinic:
PrEP is also available at any sexual health clinic in England.
For more information on PrEP, visit the I want PrEP now website.
Men and women of any age, race, ability, or sexuality may become victims. Perpetrators can be strangers or individuals known to the victim.
Sexual assault is any sexual act carried out without the victim’s active consent.
Support Available
Horizon – Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, Horizon is available 24/7 at 0800 970 0375. They provide non-judgmental medical, practical, and emotional support. This includes forensic examinations within the last seven days.
Sandwell Sexual Health Service:
For concerns about controlling behaviour related to pregnancy or contraception, call 0121 612 2323. Free STI screening kits are available at www.freetest.me. Emergency contraception is accessible within 72 hours at various pharmacies in Sandwell.
Black Country Women’s Aid:
One-to-one practical and emotional support for individuals who have experienced rape, sexual violence, and childhood sexual abuse. Support services cover Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton, and Walsall. Call 0121 553 0090 or email isva@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk.
West Midlands Children and Young Person’s Service:
Available 24/7 at 0808 196 2340, providing support for victims up to 17 years old. Options for examinations without police involvement can be discussed.
Birmingham LGBT+ Centre:
Support for Birmingham and Sandwell residents. Contact LGBT ISVA at 0121 643 0821 or email idva@blgbt.org
Summerfield Women’s Clinic:
Support for women (18 years +) who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). Contact Alison Byrne at 07989209483 or swbh.summerfieldfgm@nhs.net.
Emergency Situations:
In emergencies, always call 999.